Frankie Boyle
Performance Reviews || Sunday, 19 August, 2007
Frankly I’m a bit cranky with Frankie! Seeking some light relief from the more serious task of watching dance performance, I thought I would seek out some comedy.
I had been impressed by Frankie Boyle's quick wit and hilarious social and political commentary on television shows such as 'Mock the Week' and in particular, his great ability to make fun of Scottish people (not too hard considering we provide the fodder quite freely!)
He is from Paisley so we can’t call him racist but when you poke fun at your own culture it allows you to to mock others, so race, sex, age etc are easy targets for Frankie.
The recent terrorist attempt on Glasgow airport, the English floods, disabilities and the bloke in the front row with an effeminate voice are all targets of his mocking jibes. Boyle even likes to take the mickey out of political correctness itself. Some might find his jokes a bit too close to the bone (lots of “ooohs” from the audience). I have to admit I’m a bit less easily shocked and sometimes ask myself “should I really be laughing at this?”
However, what did shock me is how many jokes I'd heard before on the many recent appearances he’s made on panel shows. Ok, they were spontaneous and clever then and he must have thought he’d like to expand them in his own show.
Some might say it's my fault for watching too much telly but I didn’t appreciate paying ten quid for something I could have watched for free “On Demand!”
Come on Frankie! At least realise that the reason your show was sold out was because you are on TV now so most people have heard your repartee. Surely the Edinburgh Fringe is more about new ideas and testing new material.
Stumble It!
